New Year’s Eve might be the biggest night out of the year in Abu Dhabi, but spare a thought for January 1.
Okay, there are huge concerts, massive parties, fireworks and gala dinners, but there’s still fun to be had the following day.
If you want to pull yourself together and have a feed on New Year’s Day, here are the options.
BOA Steakhouse
If you’re after a big feed the day after the big party, you could do a lot worse than heading to this steakhouse. There’s an à la carte on offer, with an unlimited drinks package to go with it. With a brilliant outdoor seating area overlooking the stunning mangroves, this could be just the tonic. Just be sure to go easy if you’re expected back at work on January 2.
Dhs340 (soft drinks), Dhs445 (house beverages), Dhs495 (sparkling), Dhs595 (French bubbly). Wed Jan 1 12.30pm-4pm. Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street (02 641 1500).
Café 302
This award-winning café is putting on a buffet spread to make sure you start the new year with a hearty breakfast. The good thing is it will be served until 3pm, so if you’re feeling a little delicate when you wake up, you don’t have to immediately jump out of bed. There are dishes from around the world accompanied by unlimited coffee and tea. This is a lovely way to start 2020.
Dhs69 (unlimited tea and coffee), Dhs34.50 (children aged six to 12), free (children up to age five). Wed Jan 1 8am-3pm. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (02 610 6666).
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
One of our favourite pubs does a slightly surprising range of healthy dishes, but if you’re after a load of stodge to combat any over-indulgence from New Year’s Eve, there’s plenty on offer that will help with that, too. The brunch is always good here – casual and unpretentious. So it sounds like the perfect way to get together with some friends and talk about what happened the night before, if you dare.
Dhs165 (soft drinks), Dhs235 (house beverages), Dhs265 (premium beverages). Wed Jan 1 noon-4pm. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park Road Eastern Ring Road (02 657 3333).
COYA
We’ve given this brilliant restaurant more than their fair share of awards and we can think of few places better to enjoy a meal at the start of the year. The New Year’s Day brunch will feature free flowing beverages alongside the restaurant’s signature Peruvian dishes and ambiance. It sounds brilliant.
Dhs238 (soft drinks), Dhs378(house beverages), Dhs498 (bubbly). Jan 1, 12.30pm-4pm. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000) reservations.ad@coyarestaurant.ae
Fairways
The staff at The Westin will have to work quickly to get the venue ready for breakfast from 8am. The festivities the night before go on until the small hours, after all. However, Fairways is offering a buffet breakfast, with live stations, to get you back on track on January 1. There’s a bubbly package on offer as well, if you feel up to it.
Dhs175 (soft drinks), Dhs350 (French bubbly), Dhs75 (children). The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Khalifa City A (02 616 9999).
KOI Abu Dhabi
The sleek Japanese restaurant has some brilliant dishes, so if you fancy getting the chopsticks out and dining on the finest sushi, sashimi and more, this daytime brunch is the place for you. We love it here, so the chance to experience the brunch at a new date and time is very tempting.
Dhs340 (soft drinks), Dhs445 (house beverages), Dhs495 (sparkling), Dhs595 (French bubbly). Wed Jan 1 12.30pm-4pm. The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).
Las Brisas
The brunch at Las Brisas is excellent, we know that already. What could make it better? Experiencing it on a Wednesday afternoon, that’s what. Take refuge outside on the terrace, overlooking the swimming pool and beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. There’ll be food from all over the world at live stations and the buffet.
Dhs550 (soft drinks), Dhs700 (grape), Dhs850 (bubbly). Wed Jan 1 12.30pm-4pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche(02 690 9000).
Matsu
The traditional Japanese venue at Yas Links Golf Club is serving Osechi from January 1 until January 5. It consists of authentic food that is enjoyed on New Year’ s Day in Japan and is supposed to bring good luck and good health. Each dish has a special meaning, and they include mochi, shrimp, seaweed, sweet black soybeans and more.
Dhs399. Jan 1-5. First floor, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island (02 556 0096).
Urban Kitchen
The Dusit Thani venue is putting on its brunch midweek to celebrate the start of 2020. There will be a roast carving trolley, a chocolate fountain, foie gras station, cheese cart and a bar serving a certain tomato-based beverage that should help with any residual tiredness very nicely.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs400 (house beverages), Dhs125 (children aged seven to 12), free (children aged six and below) Wed Jan 1 12.30pm-4pm. Dusit Thani, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8137).
